I always work alone (Eustass Kid x OC)

Chapter 26 : Evasion

Lanniya went back to Killer to tell him the good news. She established a plan. The goal was to make the Beasts believe that he had escaped by himself and joined back his crew with Killer's help. She would join them later, when the boat would be in a more secure place. The handcuffs were a problem, but she would solve it later. And anyway, Kid didn't seem to have any problem to beat asses with it.

The night finally came. She had told Kid about it. She hoped he that he would shut his mouth with the other smart ass. Her role was to get Kid out of Udon and lead him to the forest. There, Killer would be somewhere. Everything worked well. The guards were surveying the other side, since there were big rumors about ghosts at this place. Lanniya only moved one of her skeletons at the beginning of the night, so that they would stay at their places. The cell was quickly opened and Kid followed her out of Udon. She had made a pile of blankets to make believe that he was still there.

They had just entered the forest. Lanniya knew that they had to be careful because they might meet some Beasts. But Killer had left signs for her, which meant that he was there. When she was at the top of the hill, she started to have a strange feeling. Kid stopped when he saw her looking in every direction.

- What's wrong ?

- I think someone is looking at us.

And it was there. A few meters away, between two trees. She didn't even try to hide. Lanniya deployed her scythe. She was obviously looking at her.

- Who is she ?

- I don't know, never seen her before.

- She doesn't seem to have any animal's capacity, said Kid. We should let her go.

- No, we can't. Not all of the powerful Beasts have those powers.

Lanniya looked around. Dawn was not far, Kid needed to meet Killer as soon as possible. She didn't have the choice.

- Go ahead. I'll go greet our friend.

- Lanniya, said Kid while taking you by your kimono. You told me that you were not supposed to be known alive to them. It will ruin it all if you go talk to her.

- I disagree. Since she saw me, she must die.

- Be careful, I beg you, he said, cupping your face in his hand.

Lanniya put her mask back and nodded. As he ran deeper in the forest, she made her way to the strange woman. She had black hair and had a katana, but wore strangers' clothes, which was appealing to her. Apparently, she was as mistrustful towards Lanniya than she was about her. For a long moment they stood there, looking at each others' eyes. Lanniya could tell that she was not just a simple girl from Wano.

- Who are you ? Lanniya finally asked.

- I should tell you the same thing, she answered coldly.

- You're not from Wano.

- You neither. This mask could've not been made here.

She's not dumb at all.

Lanniya took her scythe, ready to attack her.

- I'm sorry, but the Beasts weren't supposed to know I existed.

- Really ? she said tilting her head on the side. That's probably why I haven't seen you here before.

Lanniya started to have doubts. She saw that Crane was hesitating.

- You are not one of them. Who was the man with you ?

- It's none of your business.

- What are you exactly ?

- You probably don't wanna know. Anyway, you ask a lot of questions but don't say a lot about you.

- I'm a princess from a fallen kingdom.

- I don't give a fuck.

She laughed.

- What is her Majesty doing here ?

- It's none of your business.

- I see. The princess is allowed to ask questions but not to answer them.

Lanniya laughed again. She was no danger. And anyway, a princess like that would soon be discovered and killed.

- I'll let you alive, but don't reveal my existence or we might return only your head to your kingdom.

- I don't think threatening your ennemies will make them think you are doing them a favor.

Lanniya didn't answer and ran back to the place where Kid left. Dawn was there. She didn't know where they were. She thought it'd be wiser to go back to the crew. As she reached it, neither Killer or Kid were there. Heat told her that he hadn't seen them. She knew something had happened.